Trisha Lucas, Preschool Education Director

BA in Family Resource and Human Development from Arizona State University

Trisha loves the Desert Sun school family and finds so much joy in supporting families as their children grow. She's a strong advocate for parents and for building the kind of community where everyone feels they belong. Stop by and visit her in the office or say hi on campus, her door is always open.

Trisha’s hobbies include traveling, decorating and spending time with her family.

Email: trisha@desertsun.org, trishal@dscdc.org

Suzanne Scripture, Business Director

BA in Psychology from Arizona State University

Suzanne has been at Desert Sun as a parent since 2015. When all her children graduated Desert Sun, she decided to stay but in a different role. From parent to Business Director, Suzanne has experience in many areas. She has worked with children and families for the past 25 years in positions such as nanny, teacher, child care director and now Business Director.

In her free time she likes to spend time with her husband and 5 children, reading, playing games, doing puzzles and escape rooms.

Email: suzannes@dscdc.org

Jennifer Conley, Primary Education Director

BA in Elementary Education and Special Education from Northern Arizona University

Jenn has been with Desert Sun since 2014. She has taught kindergarten and special education in Mesa Public School District, Desert Sun, and over seas. She believes wholeheartedly in teaching students developmentally appropriate academic standards through play, while also focusing on the child as a whole. As a teacher, her philosophy on education is to provide a hands-on environment for children to develop and grow at their unique levels and learning styles. Jenn has the desire to build a peaceful community where you and your child feel valued and connected.  She wants your child to build confidence and academic skills to pursue whatever educational road is ahead. As Primary Educator and Director, Jenn is available to help you and your family along your child's educational journey. Her door is always open.

Jenn’s hobbies include health and fitness, yoga, reading, pickleball, cooking, traveling, and ultimate frisbee.

Email: jenniferc@dscdc.org

Michelle Rotner, Communication Coordinator/Admin Support

BA in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and a Reading Endorsement from Northern Arizona University

Michelle has been a member of the Desert Sun family since 2004. She became involved as a parent while three of her children and several nieces and nephews attended Desert Sun. She later became staff and has worked as an assistant, lead teacher and in administration. Michelle taught transitional kindergarten and first grade while in the public school system. 

Michelle volunteers and is a member of the parent organization and booster club at her son’s high school. She loves to spend time in the kitchen, is always feeding friends and family, enjoys traveling with her husband, cheering on her kids in their life journeys and thoroughly enjoys reading while cuddled up with her dog, Henry.

Email: micheller@dscdc.org

Jenn Banaszewski, Teacher

BS in Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University

Teacher Jenn loves Desert Sun. Her love for the school started in the eighties when she was a Desert Sun student herself. Jenn hopes that every student experiences the same joy, calm, and relief that she feels every time she walks onto campus. Jenn believes there is so much growth and magic in the early stages of child development and loves watching the children light up as they make discoveries and build their intrinsic motivation for learning. Jenn loves children and feels very blessed to help guide them and learn from them.

Jenn and her husband, Chuck, have three children, all of whom were Desert Sun students. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, enjoying the beach, working out, and yoga.

Email: jenniferb@dscdc.org

Daniela Yuenyongsgool, Teacher

BA in Educational Science from Martin Luther University in Germany and a MA in History from University of Minnesota and Religious Studies from Arizona State University

Daniela began at Desert Sun as a parent, then later began teaching in 2016. She is a certified yoga instructor and has taught yoga, music, and German classes to children for many years.

In her free time, she likes to do yoga, pickleball, stand-up-paddle boarding, read, and spend time outdoors with her family.

Email: danielay@dscdc.org

Amanda Buckwalter, Teacher

BA in Elementary Education and a minor in English from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Amanda began as a Desert Sun parent then started teaching in 2018. Her three children all attended Desert Sun.

Amanda enjoys traveling with her family, especially camping in national parks and going to Disney, as well as reading and doing puzzles.

Email: amandab@dscdc.org

Regina Aldridge, Teacher

BA in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University

Regina first came to Desert Sun through the Kindergarten Project with the Alesi Group, LLC. She came regularly to do video documentation of the Kindergarten to use as a model for professional development in districts across the state. She had also been an early childhood teacher for six years. She has two children who have attended Desert Sun.

In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing guitar or piano, being creative, and traveling or doing anything outdoors with her family. 

Email: reginaa@dscdc.org

Becky Huffaker, Assistant Teacher

BA in Psychology and Business Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara
MA in Teaching Leadership from Saint Mary's College of California

Becky's connection to Desert Sun began when her youngest son attended the school, and she has been part of the community in various roles ever since. With experience teaching preschool through fifth grade in public education, she has a genuine love for the early learning years. Her background in both psychology and education means she's always thinking about the whole child, not just what they're learning, but how they're feeling and growing along the way.

When she's not in the classroom, Becky enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading. Her favorite role, though, is mom to her two teenage kids.

Email: beckyh@dscdc.org

Jaime Cozza, Teacher

BA in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Arizona State University and a MSSA from Case Western Reserve University

Jaime has been a member of the Desert Sun Family since 2011. She started as a parent and when her children went on to elementary school she chose to stay and become a teacher.

She has two boys and enjoys playing board games and building Legos with them.

Email: jaimec@dscdc.org

Natalie Busch, Assistant

BA in Human Services from Ottawa University - Primary Teaching Certification from the American Montessori Society 

Natalie has spent over 25 years in Montessori classrooms, nurturing the growth and development of children ages 2–8. Her experience as a teacher, director, mentor, and former school co-owner has given her a deep understanding of how to create meaningful, supportive learning environments for all children. Inspired by her own journey as a learner, Natalie is passionate about helping students overcome challenges, build confidence, and develop a love of learning. She believes every child deserves individualized support and a learning environment where they feel valued and empowered. Natalie is excited to join the Desert Sun community and gain a deeper understanding of their teaching philosophy while contributing her experience, passion, and enthusiasm to create a positive learning environment.

Natalie is a proud mom who loves spending time with her sixteen year old daughter. She absolutely adores cows, Freddie Mercury the lead singer of Queen, crafting, the color yellow, and stand up comedy.

Email: natalieb@dscdc.org

Heather Manos, Assistant

BA in Kinesiology from Arizona State University and a BA in Nursing from Grand Canyon University

Heather came to Desert Sun as a parent in 2020, and fell in love with the welcoming, kid-friendly environment and amazing staff.  She has always had a passion for working with children, and has experience working in an early childhood development center as a reading tutor, and as a registered nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 

In her spare time, Heather can be found hiking/exercising, doing puzzles, and traveling with her husband and two children.

Email: heatherm@dscdc.org

Lacey Ellsworth, Assistant

BA in Education from Arizona State University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University

Lacey taught 4th and 5th grades before becoming a Desert Sun parent. She sent her child to Desert Sun seeing it was a good school and then learned how amazing it really was after seeing her child attend for three years. This is why she wants to teach at Desert Sun.

Lacey enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband. Especially taking trips with them to the beach and to amusement parks. 

When she has time to herself, she reads or goes to the gym, hikes, cycles, swims, etc. 

Email: laceye@dscdc.org

Heather Heitkamp-Brown, Teacher

BS in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood from University of Massachusetts

Teacher Heather has been teaching at Desert Sun since 2000. She has taught every age at Desert Sun except kindergarten, but loves the toddler program the most.

Her hobbies include crafting and reading, especially about new classroom ideas.

Email: heatherh@dscdc.org

Tammy Snideman, Assistant

BS in Family Resources and Human Development from Arizona State University

Tammy has worked as a nanny, ran a small home daycare and is now happy to be part of the Desert Sun staff. She has three boys, her youngest was a student at Desert Sun.

Tammy enjoys spending time outside making “discoveries” in nature with her son, going for a run, or enjoying a cup of coffee and slowing down.

Email: tammys@dscdc.org

Stephanie Tyers, Assistant

BA in Secondary Education - Social Studies and a BA in Political Science with a certificate in Civic Education

Stephanie became a Desert Sun parent in 2019, enjoying the toddler parent program with each of her two children before they attended the Desert Sun preschool program. She previously taught high school history, government, and economics, and loves helping children learn.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and playing video games.

Email: stephaniet@dscdc.org

Julie Vasquez, Teacher/Facilitator

Julie has been a part of Desert Sun for over 25+ years as a parent and as a teacher, since studying Child Development in college under the esteemed professor, Marty Martin.  Julie aims to create a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment, encouraging all to "Shine your Light and Grow Slow.”  She is a Holistic Nutrition Specialist, focusing on empowering people to embrace mindful exercise for a vibrant life.  She holds certifications from Yoga Fit and Arizona Yoga Academy/Yoga Alliance. Julie is trained in the Mindfulness First program and is thrilled to implement mindfulness, movement, and breathwork techniques for both children and adults alike.  She is excited to educate, engage, and empower the Desert Sun Community.

Julie is happily married to her husband, Tim, and is a proud parent to three vibrant children and two grandchildren, all who have attended Desert Sun.

Email: Yogajules96@gmail.com

Meagan Cauger, Teacher

BA in Education from Arizona State University and certified/licensed SLPA from Northern Arizona University

Meagan has worked for the Kyrene School District as a pre-k teacher. Her first child had a speech delay which lead her to obtain a certificate and license as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in 2013. She shifted from classroom teacher to home health where she was a parent educator, developmental specialist and SLPA for the Arizona Early Intervention Program. Prior to the arrival of her youngest child, Meagan worked at Eduprize charter school as an SLPA for grades K-12.  Meagan is currently pursuing a masters of arts in reading with an emphasis in elementary education from GCU.

She and her husband have 3 children. Meagan is from Missouri and is a huge Chief's fan! In her free time she is an avid reader, enjoys cooking and watching her children's sporting events. 

Email: meaganc@dscdc.org

Chloe Cameron, Primary Assistant

BA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona with a minor in Speech Language Pathology

Chloe has been working with students aged newborn to high school for over 13 years. She began her teaching career studying early childhood development as a teenager and into college. She’s had the opportunity to work with special education students from extremely high risk backgrounds, work as an RBT for at risk elementary students, and extensively worked with toddler and preschool aged students in many Montessori and Reggio Emilia classrooms. Now returning to primary education, Chloe is excited to use her experience and education to share a love of curiosity and learning with a new generation of Desert Sun students!

Chloe and her husband share a preschool aged daughter who is also beginning her Desert Sun journey, and share custody of their 12 year old son. They like to spend their free time hiking, traveling, and cooking together as a family.

Email: chloec@dscdc.org

Abbie Floyd, Teacher

BA in Piano Performance from McMurry University and a MA in Music Therapy from Colorado State University

For a over 10 years, Abbie worked as a board-certified music therapist. She began teaching in the preschool environment in 2019 when her son’s preschool needed to fill an aide position. Whether through music therapy or teaching, she has always had a passion for early childhood development.

In her free time, she loves to play music, crochet, and read. She and her husband Brad have four children. Andrew is in the United States Navy. Ashley is in college. Carson and Carrie are in elementary school.

Email: abbief@dscdc.org

Tiffany Floyd, Assistant

AA in Elementary Education from Mesa Community College

Tiffany has worked in both preschool and elementary settings, and has always had a passion for helping children grow socially and emotionally.

Tiffany is a mom to two wonderful girls. In her free time, she tries to embrace her creativity, such as doodling crazy characters and attempting offbeat art projects. She also enjoys reading psychological thrillers, cooking and tending to her ever-growing indoor plant collection (currently over 50 plants!). 

Email: tiffanyf@dscdc.org

Monica Gallegos, Speech Therapist

Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist/Feeding Delays & Food Aversions

Monica has more than 20 years of experience as a speech pathologist working with children with speech, language and feeding delays in hospital, school and private practice settings.  She loves empowering parents by recognizing their child's strengths and developing their areas of need.  She is a native Texan and attended the University of North Texas for undergrad and Baylor for graduate school.  Monica moved to the sunshine state in 2004 and let’s just say, her heart is divided.  

Monica enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and two dogs.  In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trying new restaurants, traveling or being creative on the Cricut.   She loves expanding her knowledge by listening to podcasts. 

Brett LeSueur, Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist with MSOT, OTR/L

Brett LeSueur is an Arizona native with a passion for supporting children in reaching their fullest potential. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biological Sciences from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from A.T. Still University. Brett is dedicated to helping students thrive by using evidence-based, child-centered interventions that promote independence, confidence, and success in the school environment.

With a strong belief in the power of play and meaningful activities, Brett focuses on enhancing children's ability to participate in their daily "occupations" — from classroom tasks and self-care routines to social skills and motor development.

Outside of work, Brett enjoys exploring the outdoors, being a father to his two children and a husband to his wife, who is also an occupational therapist. Together, they share a deep commitment to serving their community through compassionate and skilled care.